Another ticket Web site, FanSnap.com, said their average ticket price was more like $1,560 a pop. SeatGeek had sellers asking for about the same amount, but noted that the average actual sale was “only” $788 a ticket.

Understand this — Los Angeles is a Lakers town. This is the sports team people care about. There is no NFL here, they long ago abandoned L.A. for PSLs. The Dodgers are loved, but they haven’t had the steady history of winning the last couple decades, plus the current owners are complete idiots.

Outside of Los Angeles, people think Lakers game are all about the celebrities and being seen. And it is for some people in the lower bowl who can afford those seats. But for the vast majority of Lakers fans — the real ones who sit above the luxury boxes where the cameras never pan — this is a real passion. That is where the Lakers fanatics who are mechanics or sell insurance or are Thai restaurant cooks watch games. When they can afford to go.

The demand in Los Angeles is insane for tickets right now. And as always when things are in demand, the items go to those who can afford to pay. Supply and demand at its best and worst at the same time.

In Chicago in 1998 the Bulls were ahead 3-1 in the finals, with the 5th game to be played in Chicago.
Add to that the rumor that this would be MJ’s last game for the Bulls.
Front row seats were going for $15,000.

Not bad prices considering they all ready know who is going to win the game and are waiting for some nut to pay to watch while they set there counting how much they took the nuts for and laughing all the way to the bank.